New Bike Launches in India

Benelli, one of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the world, have recently launched a state-of-the-art concept showroom in Saigon, the capital city of Vietnam.

The Pesaro (Italy) based company, which is now a part of Chinese automotive group Qianjiang, went bankrupt in the mid-80s after a string of successful sporting victories, but got resuscitated in the mid-90s thanks to entrepreneur Andrea Merloni’s endeavours.

The concept showroom will house famed Benelli bikes like the TNT R, TNT 899 and the 1130 Century Racer edition. Benelli have inaugurated this showroom as part of the companies long term plan to consolidate their presence in emerging markets. Benelli have stated that,”The Vietnamese market is certainly a strategic market in Asia and Benelli Q.J. decided to introduce in Vietnam some products dedicated to the customers of the ASEAN countries”. With the new ‘Benelli concept showroom’ in Saigon, the firm intends to meet the requirements of the Asian customers by introducing and developing new motorcycles and scooters for the emerging markets. Reason enough for us to start making wild guesses about when will this revered marquee makes its way to Indian shores, now that most of its compatriots are here already?

Honda’s recent models, the CBR 250R and CBR 150R, have been highly successful in many parts of the world.

And, there is no denying that the CBR600RR and the CBR1000RR have been legends for years. However, while the 150-cc and 250-cc motorcycles are for the beginners, the 600RR and 1000RR are for the pros. There is nothing that bridges the gap between these two sets of motorcycles and, to address this, it is believed that Honda are working on a CBR 400R.

According to an exclusive scoop by the Japanese magazine Young Machine, the new CBR 400R is expected to be a parallel twin-cylinder 400-cc machine that will generate approximately 50 PS of peak power and will attain a top speed of 180 km/h. That’s all we know for now but we’re as excited as you are and can’t wait to see how it pans out, and whether Honda brings this new bike into the country. If it does it will be the ideal sportsbike for an entire generation waiting to upgrade from the de rigeur 250ccs, but – for financial or safety concerns – don’t want a full-fledged big bike. Until then, wait, watch and pray!

All news on electric bikes in India has been almost negligible with manufactures claiming its difficult to sustain their business due to the end of subsidy offered on them.

But now a new player in the automotive market- Enigma Auto is set to change all this. This Delhi based company has recently launched three electric scooters in India. On offer is the Intansce, Creasent and Mascular. Agreed there are obvious spelling mistakes but these are the exact names mentioned on their website – www.enigmaauto.com. These electric bikes take 6-8hours to charge and give out a top speed of 25 km/h. They boast of a range of 50kms per charge with a single rider. These scooters feature trendy styling and registration isn’t required. Their available in 4 colours – red, brown, white and black. The Engima Creasent features cruise control, anti-theft alarm, motor lock system, 48 Volt lightning system, multiple charger sockets and has a range of 55 kms on a full charge. The Enigma electric scooters are priced between Rs. 28,500 and Rs. 31,900 (on – Road Delhi).

 

Honda Motorcycles India has launched the Dream Yuga commuter motorcycle in Mumbai.

Powered by a 110cc engine delivering 8.6 PS @ 7500 RPM with a claimed mileage figure of 72 km/ltr, Honda states that the Dream Yuga is specially developed for Indian customers, keeping in mind their practical commuting needs. To this end, the bike’s engine is equipped with several innovative technologies like the ‘Honda Intelligent Ignition Control System’ which changes ignition timings to attain ideal combustion, leading to improved power output and efficiency.

The tubeless tyres / tuff up tube options, viscous air filter and maintenance free battery in the new motorcycle are also a first in this segment. The bike will be available for sale in three variants- Kick/Drum/Spoke, Kick/ Drum/Alloy and Self/ Drum/Alloy. The motorcycle comes in 5 colors: Black, Monsoon Grey Metallic, Alpha Red Metallic, Force Silver Metallic & Maple Brown Metallic. Prices start at Rs. 48,028 for the base variant while the mid variant will cost Rs. 49592, with the top end variant retailing for Rs. 51678 (all prices, ex-showroom, Mumbai).

Honda has also roped in Akshay Kumar, as their new brand ambassador and revealed their new TVC featuring the Bollywood star. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kumar said, “Honda as the World’s No. 1 motorcycle maker carries with it a legacy of customer oriented products from 50cc to 1800cc and goodwill of over 200 million customers worldwide. I am deeply impressed by Honda’s vision and proud to associate with this young and vibrant brand that is innovative, technologically advanced and committed to society.”

When you have a bike that’s made in India and gets exported to another country, it’s an impressive accomplishment.

Bajaj Auto have started exporting KTM (made in India) motorcycles to Japan, the home of motorcycle giants like Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

The first batch of the 125-cc KTM bikes was sent from the Chakan plant, near Pune, earlier this month. Bajaj Auto hold a 47 per cent stake in KTM and previously KTM did not have motorcycles in this segment, but are now sourcing the KTM 125-cc from Bajaj Auto for the world market. It’s definitely a milestone in the Indian automotive industry. Congratulations to Bajaj Auto!